If the Nationals think Lucas Giolito needs any convincing to sign with them instead of enrolling at UCLA this fall, they certainly picked the perfect weekend to bring their top draft pick to town.

Giolito was at Nationals Park today getting a grand tour of the facility from owner Mark Lerner and general manager Mike Rizzo, hanging out on the field during batting practice and otherwise getting to experience what life could be like as a major leaguer in Washington.

It didn't hurt that Giolito's weekend in D.C. happens to coincide with the Yankees also in town for perhaps the biggest series the Nationals have hosted in eight years.

The 17-year-old right-hander, selected 16th overall in the country 10 days ago, has until July 13 to either sign with the Nationals or electRead more »

Does Mr. Giolito (meaning his family) have to pay for such a visit? If not, how does it square with him retaining his amateur status if he were to opt for UCLA over the Nats? As Joe Nocera has been documenting in the NYT, the NCAA has been going after basketball and football players for some pretty absurd reasons that would seem to involve accepting 'expenses' way, way below the airfare and hotel bills that must be involved in this kind of a trip.